How To Set A Proxy Server In Firefox
How to Configure a Proxy Server in Firefox – HowToGeek
If you want to send your web browser traffic—and only your browser traffic—through a proxy, Mozilla Firefox is a great option. It uses your system-wide proxy settings by default, but you can configure separate proxy settings for Firefox only.
RELATED: What’s the Difference Between a VPN and a Proxy?
Generally, you’ll use a proxy if your school or work provides it to you. You could also use a proxy to hide your IP address or access geoblocked websites that aren’t available in your country, but we recommend a VPN for that instead. If you need to set up a proxy for school or work, get the necessary credentials from them and read on.
Firefox is unique here because Chrome, Edge, and Internet Explorer don’t allow you to set a custom proxy server. They only use your system-wide proxy settings. With Firefox, you can route only some web traffic through the proxy without using it for every application on your system.
To access proxy settings in Mozilla Firefox, click on Firefox’s menu and go to Options.
Click the “Advanced” icon at the left side of the Preferences window, click the “Network” tab at the top of the window, and then click the “Settings” button under Connection.
You can select four different proxy options here. By default, Firefox is set to “Use system proxy settings”.
No proxy: Firefox won’t use a proxy server, even if one is configured in your system-wide proxy settings.
Auto-detect proxy settings for this network: Firefox will use the Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Protocol, also known as WPAD, to detect the appropriate proxy for your network. This feature is sometimes used only on business and educational networks to automatically provide the necessary proxy settings to all PCs on a network.
Use system proxy settings: Firefox follows whatever proxy settings you have configured in your system settings. If you don’t have a system-wide proxy configured, Firefox won’t use a proxy.
Manual proxy configuration: Firefox allows you to manually set custom proxy settings that will only be used for Firefox itself.
If you select “Manual proxy configuration”, you’ll need to enter your proxy server settings in the boxes here. Your proxy service provider—or employer, if it’s provided by your employer—will be able to provide the settings you need.
Enter the address of the proxy server you want to use for normal, unencrypted HTTP browsing connections in the “HTTP Proxy” box. You’ll also need to enter the port the proxy server uses in the “Port” box.
You’ll usually want to click the “Use the proxy server for all protocols” option. Firefox will also use your HTTP proxy server for SSL-encrypted HTTPS connections and File Transfer Protocol (FTP) connections.
Uncheck this box if you want to enter separate proxy servers for HTTP, HTTPS, and FTP connections. This isn’t common.
If you’re configuring a SOCKS proxy, leave the HTTP Proxy, SSL Proxy, and FTP Proxy boxes empty. Enter the address of the SOCKS proxy into the “SOCKS Host” and its port into the “Port” box.
RELATED: How to Use SSH Tunneling to Access Restricted Servers and Browse Securely
When you’re hosting a SOCKS proxy on your local PC, you’ll need to enter 127. 0. 1 and the port the SOCKS proxy is listening on. For example, you’ll need to do this if you create an SSH tunnel using dynamic port forwarding and want to send your browsing traffic through it. Firefox will send your browsing activity through the proxy server running on your local computer.
By default, Firefox uses SOCKS v5 for the connection. Select SOCKS v4 if your SOCKS proxy uses the older standard instead. If you’re not sure, leave the option set to SOCKS v5.
Firefox also allows you to provide a list of addresses that it will bypass the proxy for. Enter these in the “No Proxy for” box. By default, the list here includes localhost and 127. 1. These addresses both point to your local PC itself. When you attempt to access a web server running on your PC, Firefox will access it directly rather than attempting to access the addresses through the proxy.
You can add other domain names and IP addresses to this list. Just separate each address in the list with a comma followed by a space. For example, if you want Firefox to access directly instead of accessing through the proxy, you’d add to the end of the list like so:
localhost, 127. 1,
If Firefox can’t access the proxy sever you configure—for example, if the proxy server is down, if your Internet connection is down, or if you entered the details incorrectly—you’ll see an “Unable to find the proxy server” error message when you attempt to access a website.
You’ll need to go back into Firefox’s proxy server settings and either disable the proxy or fix your proxy settings to browse the web.
READ NEXT
› How to Upgrade Your PC to Windows 11
› How to Put a Link in Your Instagram Bio
› Surprise: Windows 11 Arrives a Day Early
› How to Find, Add, and Remove Fonts in Google Slides
› Epic Games Store Finally Getting Achievements
The above article may contain affiliate links, which help support How-To Geek.
How-To Geek is where you turn when you want experts to explain technology. Since we launched in 2006, our articles have been read more than 1 billion times. Want to know more?
Connection settings in Firefox – Mozilla Support
Your organization or Internet service provider may offer or require you to use a proxy. A proxy acts as an intermediary between your computer and the Internet. It intercepts all requests to the Internet to see if it can fulfill the request using its cache. Proxies are used to improve performance, filter requests, and hide your computer from the Internet to improve security. Proxies are often part of corporate firewalls.
Connection settings to use a proxy can be set in Firefox OptionsPreferencesSettings
as follows:
In the Menu bar at the top of the screen, click and select.
Click the menu button and select the menu button and select.
In the panel, go to the Network ProxyNetwork Settings section.
Click Settings…. The Connection Settings dialog will open.
No proxy: Choose this if you don’t want to use a proxy.
Auto-detect proxy settings for this network: Choose this if you want Firefox to automatically detect the proxy settings for your network.
Use system proxy settings: Choose this if you want to use the proxy settings configured for your operating system.
Manual proxy configuration: Choose this if you have a list of one or more proxy servers. Ask your system administrator for the configuration information. Each proxy requires a hostname and a port number.
If the same proxy name and port number are used for all protocols, check Use this proxy server for all protocols.
No Proxy For: List of hostnames or IP addresses that will not be proxied. Use
Automatic proxy configuration URL: Choose this if you have a proxy configuration () file. Enter the URL and click okay to save changes and load the proxy configuration. file: and data: schemes can also be used here (e. g. file/c:/ or data:, function FindProxyForURL(){return “HTTPS “;}).
Reload: The reload button will load the currently available proxy configuration.
Enable DNS over HTTPS: This setting enables DNS Over HTTPS (DoH) using the specified server. For more information, see Firefox DNS-over-HTTPS.
Note: The Connection Settings dialog will also show extensions that control how Firefox connects to the internet. You can disable these extensions by clicking Disable Extension.
These fine people helped write this article:
Volunteer
Grow and share your expertise with others. Answer questions and improve our knowledge base.
Learn More
How to Set Up a Proxy Server on Your PC, Mac, or Web Browser – Avast
As for what a proxy server is, think of your proxy as a gateway between you and the internet. When you visit a website, the proxy server communicates with it on behalf of your browser. Then, when the website answers, the proxy forwards the data to you.
Proxy servers can do many jobs. These include scanning for viruses, acting as a firewall, speeding up your connection by caching, and hiding your public IP address.
You have lots of choices when it comes to internet privacy. There’s a lot to learn, such as understanding what a reverse proxy is or distinguishing between VPNs, proxies, and Tor. If you want dependable protection and encryption for your internet traffic, consider a VPN. Avast SecureLine VPN hides your data from snoopers and protects your online identity, and it’s also much easier to set up than a proxy server.
There’s no similar guarantee of protection with a proxy, especially if you’re using one of the many web-based proxies available online. These public proxy services may slow down your service, and even worse, they may be insecure. Instead, we suggest you learn how to set up a proxy server on Windows, MacOS, and the most popular web browsers.
If you’re configuring your browser to use a proxy operated by a company, school, or other similar organization, some of these instructions may require you to contact your IT staff. This is the case particularly when you are asked to manually enter a script name, formally called a proxy auto-configuration (PAC) file. You may also need to type in the proxy’s IP and port numbers. In both cases, turn to your IT helpdesk if you haven’t been given this information. If you’re using a proxy that you’ve purchased or created on your own, you’ll already have these details.
How to set up a proxy server in Windows
Here’s how to set up your Windows PC to use a proxy server on Windows 8 or Windows 10:
Press the Windows + I keys simultaneously to access the Windows Settings menu.
On Windows 10, click Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy. On Windows 8, click Settings > Network Proxy.
Under the Manual Setup section, set the “Use a Proxy Server” toggle to On. Make sure the “Automatically detect settings” toggle is also on.
By default, Windows automatically checks to see if your business, school, or local network already has an automatic proxy server setup ready to run for you. If it does, Windows tells you its name, and encourages you to follow its instructions.
Assuming that Windows finds a PAC file, in the Automatic Proxy Setup, set the Use Setup Script switch to On.
Enter the script address and click Save.
Congratulations! You’re done and ready to proxy.
How to manually set up a proxy in Windows 8 or Windows 10
Not every organization sets up the process automatically. If you need to set up a proxy manually in Windows 8 or Windows 10, here’s how to do it.
To access the Windows Settings menu, press the Windows + I keys simultaneously.
On Windows 10, click Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy. On Windows 8 systems, click Settings > Network Proxy.
Scroll down to “Manual proxy setup” and set the “Use a Proxy Server” switch to On.
In the address field, type the proxy server name or IP address. In the Port field, enter the proxy port number. You can get these from your IT support tech.
If the proxy server is protected by a password, select the “Proxy server requires password” checkbox. Enter your account name and password in the Username and Password fields.
Click Save.
That’s all there is to it. You’re now set up to use your proxy server on Windows. The next time you use the internet, you’ll be using the proxy server.
How to set up a proxy server on a Mac running macOS
Here’s how to set up a proxy server on a Mac running macOS 10. 15 Catalina. Other macOS versions use essentially the same commands.
Open System Preferences. One way to get there is to click on the Apple menu > System Preferences.
Choose the Network icon to adjust connectivity settings.
Select the type of network you use, which is usually Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
Click Advanced > Proxies.
To automatically configure your proxy server settings, select Auto Proxy Discovery. Click on Secure Web Proxy (HTTPS). Type in the proxy server address and its port number in the fields on the right.
To use a proxy auto-configuration (PAC) file, select Automatic Proxy Configuration and enter the proxy address into the URL field.
Click OK to save the proxy setup.
You’re now ready to surf the internet via your proxy.
How to set up a proxy in Google Chrome
By default, Chrome uses your macOS or Windows proxy. To change your proxy settings from within Chrome, take the following steps:
Open the Chrome toolbar and select Settings.
Scroll down to the bottom of the display. Click on Show advanced settings…
Scroll down to “System” and choose Open your computer’s proxy settings.
Next, go back to the instructions for your operating system listed above to set up your proxy server settings and follow them.
In short, to set up a proxy server in Google Chrome, you’re just doing the first few steps in the browser, and then completing the process in your machine’s operating system.
How to set up a proxy server in Safari
Like Chrome, Safari’s default setting is to follow the proxy configurations within your OS. Here’s how to change your proxy settings from within Safari:
Click on Safari in the browser toolbar. Choose Preferences.
Click on the Advanced tab. Under “Proxies, ” click Change settings…
Next, you must go back to the instructions for macOS listed above to set up your proxy server settings and follow them.
How to set up a proxy server in Edge
Edge is Windows 10’s built-in web browser, and unless you tell it otherwise, it’ll use your proxy configurations in Windows. The latest versions of Edge are based on Chrome, so the configuration is similar. The following steps show you how to set up a proxy from within Edge:
In Microsoft Edge, at the top-right corner, click the Menu button. Select Settings.
Scroll down to the Advanced settings section and click the View advanced settings icon.
Click the Open proxy settings button.
Next, go back to the instructions for Windows 10 listed above, then follow them to configure your proxy server settings.
How to set up a proxy server in Firefox
Unlike other web browsers, Firefox doesn’t default to using your system’s proxy settings. You’ll need to change your proxy from within Firefox:
Open the Firefox menu and select Options.
Click on the Advanced icon.
Select the Network tab.
In the Connection Settings, select, Auto-detect proxy configuration for this network. When prompted, enter the proxy address.
Alternatively, in the Connection Settings, you can select, Use system proxy settings. If you choose that option, Firefox uses the proxy settings in your operating system.
Click OK to save your settings.
How to set up a proxy server in Internet Explorer
Please keep in mind that Internet Explorer is an outdated web browser. Instead, switch to a browser that’s still receiving regular updates and support, such as Avast Secure Browser, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari. Though since quite a few people and companies still use Internet Explorer (IE), you should know how to set things up when necessary.
As with other browsers, IE defaults to using your Windows proxy configurations. Here’s how to set your proxy up from within IE.
Open the IE toolbar and select Internet Options.
Open the Connections tab.
Select LAN Settings.
Check the “Use a proxy server for your LAN” box.
When prompted, enter the proxy server name and port number.
How to set up a proxy server in Android
With Android, you must configure proxy settings for each network you use. In addition, the proxy will only be used by your web browser. Other internet applications may choose to use or ignore the proxy based on their own internal settings. This is another reason why VPNs tend to be better choices — when you use one, it covers all the internet traffic from your device.
Open Android’s Settings and tap Wi-Fi to view a list of Wi-Fi networks.
Long-press the Wi-Fi network name for which you want to change the proxy settings. Tap Modify Network.
Tap Advanced Options.
Tap Manual to change your proxy’s settings. Enter your hostname and proxy port.
OR
If you have a Proxy Auto-Config (PAC) file, select Proxy Auto-Config and Android will prompt you to enter the PAC address.
Tap SAVE.
How to set up a proxy server in iOS
Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
Select the active Wi-Fi connection.
Under HTTP proxy, click Configure Proxy.
Tap Manual to change your proxy’s settings. Enter your host name, proxy port, and, if needed, your authentication username and password.
If your provider supports Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Protocol (WPAD), tap Automatic. If required, enter the Proxy Auto-Config (PAC) file location.
Tap back to the Wi-Fi selection window.
Protect your online anonymity the easy way
Proxy servers have their uses, particularly within large organizations. However, setting one up requires a bit of work, and this is a job typically entrusted to network administrators and other IT professionals.
Avast SecureLine VPN is an internet privacy solution that’s both simpler to use and far more protective of your identity and online activities. A single click or tap of a button gets you encryption that keeps you anonymous online and prevents anyone from snooping on your sensitive personal info, such as your online banking, health info, or private photos. Enjoy true online privacy on your desktop, laptop or mobile device with a VPN that’s as convenient as it is secure.
Frequently Asked Questions about how to set a proxy server in firefox
How do I setup a proxy server?
How to set up a proxy server in AndroidOpen Android’s Settings and tap Wi-Fi to view a list of Wi-Fi networks.Long-press the Wi-Fi network name for which you want to change the proxy settings. Tap Modify Network.Tap Advanced Options.Tap Manual to change your proxy’s settings. … Tap SAVE.Mar 11, 2020
How do I set proxy credentials in Firefox?
Open Firefox.In the address bar, type about:config. A warning appears.Click I’ll be careful. I promise! A variety of configuration options appears.In the Filter box, type network. negotiate.Double-click network. negotiate-auth. allow-proxies to toggle between true and false. The option must be set to false.Apr 9, 2019
How do I reset my proxy settings on Firefox?
Turn Off Proxy Server in FirefoxOpen Firefox, then open the Options menu by: Clicking on Tools > Options in the upper-left corner. … Click Advanced.Click the Network tab, then Settings.In the Connection Settings window, select No proxy option. (Use System Proxy Settings is also acceptable.)
